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European court backs Italian farmer who planted GM crops against national laws

The European court has said member states do not have the right to ban genetically modified crops without substantial evidence. Italy had prosecuted the farmer for cultivating GM corn, citing human health hazards.

The European Union's top court ruled in favor of an Italian farmer who went against the laws of his country by planting genetically modified corn.

Giorgio Fidenato (pictured above) was prosecuted by Italian authorities who argued that the crops could pose a risk to human health.

Italy prohibited the cultivation of genetically modified corn through a ministerial decree in 2013 and prosecuted several farmers, including Fidenato. The Italian government issued the decree after its request for an emergency ban on GM seeds was turned down by the European Commission.

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Genetically modified maize takes over in Spain

Genetically modified maize takes over in Spain

The European Court of Justice ruled on Wednesday that EU member states do not have the right to prohibit the use of genetically modified seeds unless there was evidence that they pose serious risks.

The court said European Commission in 1998 authorized the use of the specific maize seeds Fidenato planted after it found "no reason to believe that that product would have any adverse effects on human health or the environment."